Convertible top for an all-terrain vehicle

ABSTRACT

A convertible protective top for a vehicle. The top including a retractable canopy and at least two mounting brackets. The canopy includes at least two spaced-apart side members; at least two spaced-apart cross-members, and a cover attached to the cross-members. The cross-members are positioned between and slidably engaged with the side members, wherein the cross-members and cover are moved along the side members to retract the cover. The mounting brackets are attached to a front end and a rear end of the vehicle. Each of the mounting brackets include at least two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones of the side members for securing the canopy to the vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/894,574 filed on Jul. 20, 2004.

This invention relates to protective enclosures for vehicles, and moreparticularly to a convertible protective enclosure for an all-terrainvehicle (ATV) to provide an operator of the ATV with protection fromvarious environmental elements, such as rain or snow. Additionally, theinvention relates to a convertible protective enclosure that can beremoved from the ATV to provide shelter.

ATVs have become increasingly popular in recent years as bothrecreational vehicles and utility vehicles. Unlike a passengerautomobile, an ATV is similar to a motorcycle in that it has noprotected enclosure for the operator.

Convertible tops for automobiles are well-known in the art. These topsmay be retracted manually or with the help of a power assist, and aregenerally rigid and fixedly attached at a rear end of the automobile,preventing easy removal of the top. Additionally, these tops aremoveable between only two positions, open and closed. Convertible topsused on automobiles are very practical for their intended use, however,they are not practical for use on an ATV.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,543,830 and 6,402,220 describe a protective enclosurefor use on an ATV. U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,830 describes a removable cabassembly provided in a portable kit form. The cab assembly includesflexible framework, a flexible fabric cover, a pair of side doors, and adeflector shield.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,220 also discloses a portable enclosure. Theportable enclosure is formed of support beams, side panels, front andrear panels, and a top panel. The support beams form a skeleton over thetop of the ATV upon which the panels are fastened.

The aforementioned patents do not describe a protective enclosure for anATV that has a convertible top that can be stowed on the ATV withoutremoving the entire skeletal structure of the protective enclosure.

Accordingly, the present invention addresses these problems by providinga convertible top that is easily stowed on the ATV and may be used inmultiple applications, providing an operator with protection fromvarious environmental elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a convertible topfor use with an ATV.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top thatis easily removed from the ATV.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top thatcan be used as a tent.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top thatis sufficiently flexible to be deflected by contact with brush and limbsand return to its use position.

It is another object of the invention to provide a convertible top thatis selectively adjustable to a plurality of use positions.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in thepreferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a convertibleprotective top for being attached to a vehicle. The convertibleprotective top including a retractable canopy, the canopy including atleast two spaced-apart side members; at least two spaced-apartcross-members, wherein the cross-members are positioned between andslidably engaged with the side members; and a cover attached to thecross-members, wherein the cross-members and cover are moved along theside members to retract the cover. The convertible protective top alsoincluding at least two mounting brackets for being attached to a frontend and a rear end of the vehicle, each of the mounting bracketsincluding at least two vertical tubular members for receiving respectiveones of the side members and securing the canopy to the vehicle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, thecross-members include at least one hole positioned on opposing ends ofthe cross-members for allowing the cross-members to slidably engage theside members.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the coverfurther includes at least one fastener disposed on each of a pair ofopposing side edges for attaching a side curtain to each side edge andforming an enclosure.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at leastone fastener is selected from the group consisting of a zipper, abutton, and a snap.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the coverfurther includes at least one connecting means positioned on each of apair of opposing side edges for slidably attaching the cover to the sidemembers.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the at leastone connecting means includes a hole transverse to the connecting meansfor receiving a respective one of the cross-members and allowing arespective one of the side members, the connecting means, and thecross-member to be connected together.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theconnecting means is selected from the group consisting of a ring, apocket, and a loop.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidemembers are flexible for allowing the canopy to have an arcuate shape.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidemembers are made of a flexible rod.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidemembers are made of a plurality of rod segments connected by shock cords

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidemembers are secured to the mounting bracket by a cotter pin.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the coverincludes a front window and a rear window for providing an operator ofthe vehicle with a clear view.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, Aconvertible protective top for being attached to a vehicle, including anarcuate retractable canopy. The canopy including at least twospaced-apart flexible side members; a plurality of spaced-apartcross-members positioned between the side members, the cross-membershaving a hole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members forslidably engaging the side members, wherein the side members are slidthrough the holes; and a cover including opposing side edges andopposing end edges, wherein each of the opposing side edges is slidablyattached to a respective one of the side members by at least one pocket,and wherein each of the opposing end edges is attached to a respectiveone of the cross-members. The convertible protective top also includingat least two mounting brackets for being attached to a front end and arear end of the vehicle, each of the mounting brackets including atleast two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones of theside members and securing the canopy to the vehicle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the coverfurther includes a zipper disposed on each of the opposing side edgesfor attaching a side curtain to each side edge and forming an enclosure.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, aconvertible protective top for being attached to a vehicle including anarcuate retractable canopy. The canopy including at least twospaced-apart flexible side members; a plurality of spaced-apartcross-members positioned between the side members, the cross-membershaving a hole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members forslidably engaging the side members, wherein the side members are slidthrough the holes; and a rectangular cover slidably attached to the sidemembers, the cover having a plurality of pockets attached to opposingside edges of the cover for securing each of the side edges to arespective one of the side members, each of the pockets has a holetransverse to the pocket for receiving a respective one of thecross-members for allowing the side members, pockets, and cross-membersto be connected together. The convertible protective top also includesat least two mounting brackets for being attached to a front end and arear end of the vehicle, each of the mounting brackets including atleast two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones of theside members and securing the canopy to the vehicle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method ofattaching a convertible protective top to a vehicle, including the stepsof providing a retractable canopy. The canopy including at least twospaced-apart side members; at least two spaced-apart cross-members,wherein the cross-members are positioned between and slidably engagedwith the side members; and a cover attached to the cross-members,wherein the cross-members and cover are moved along the side members toretract the cover. The method also including the step of providing atleast two mounting brackets and attaching the mounting brackets to afront end and a rear end of the vehicle. The mounting brackets includeat least two vertical tubular members for receiving respective ones ofthe side members. The method also includes the step of sliding opposingends of each side member through an opening of respective ones of thevertical tubular members positioned at the front end and rear end of thevehicle, and inserting a connecter through a hole in the opposing endsof each side member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will appear as the inventionproceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows an environmental perspective view of the convertible topattached to an ATV;

FIG. 2 shows an environmental perspective view of the convertible topremoved from the ATV and used as a tent;

FIG. 3 shows an optional side curtain of the convertible top;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the convertible top with its side curtainsattached to the ATV;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the convertible top with its side curtainsattached to the ATV;

FIG. 6 shows the removal of the side curtains from the canopy of theconvertible top;

FIG. 7 shows the convertible top with the side curtains removed and thefront of the convertible top partially retracted to one of a pluralityof use positions;

FIG. 8 shows an attachment means for attaching the convertible top tothe ATV;

FIG. 9 shows the convertible top in an assembled, uninstalled position;

FIG. 10 shows the rectangular cover of the convertible top with aconnecting means for securing the cover to the skeletal frame;

FIG. 11 shows the skeletal frame being secured to the connecting meansof the rectangular cover;

FIG. 12 shows the skeletal frame being secured to the connecting meansof the rectangular cover;

FIG. 13 shows the attachment means secured to a front end of the ATV andan elongated side member of the skeletal frame secured to the attachmentmeans;

FIG. 14 shows the attachment means secured to a rear end of the ATV andthe elongated side member of the skeletal frame secured to theattachment means;

FIG. 14A shows the elongated side member of the skeletal frame attachedto the attachment means by a pair of cotter pins and an elongatedcross-member located on an end edge of the rectangular cover beingsecured in position;

FIG. 15 shows the convertible top fully retracted and in a storageposition with a storage cover wrapped around the convertible top;

FIG. 16 shows the storage cover with storage pockets;

FIG. 17 shows the storage cover;

FIG. 18 shows a side extension attached to the side curtain of FIG. 3;

FIG. 19 shows the convertible top of FIG. 1 with a side curtainaccording to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 shows the convertible top of FIG. 1 with extension rods; and

FIG. 21 shows the convertible top of FIG. 20 with a side skirt.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention generally includes aconvertible protective top 10 for use on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)11. The convertible top 10 is attached to a front end 12 and a rear end13 of the ATV 11 via an attachment means such as a mounting bracket 14,forming an arcuate top for providing an operator of the ATV 11 completecoverage and protection from environmental elements, such as rain, snow,wind, and contact with brush and limbs.

The convertible top 10 extends an entire length of the ATV 11 from thefront end 12 to the rear end 13 to provide protection for the entire toparea of the ATV 11. By extending the convertible top 10 the entirelength of the ATV 11, the convertible top 10 can provide protection forstowed cargo as well as the operator. The convertible top 10 includes afront window 16 and a rear window 17 to provide the operator of the ATV11 with a clear view when the convertible top 10 is in its extended useposition.

The convertible top 10 may also be used as a tent or an emergencyshelter, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The convertible top 10 is, thus,designed to be easily detached from the ATV 11 in its extendedconfiguration. Using the convertible top 10 as a tent is particularlyuseful on camping trips, as it eliminates the need to carry additionalequipment to the campsite and eliminates the time consumed in assemblinga tent. The convertible top 10 is also particularly useful as anemergency shelter, since the convertible top 10 can be quickly detachedfrom the ATV 11 to provide a shelter to the operator in the event a fastmoving weather front emerges.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, side curtains 18 may be attached to acanopy 19 of the convertible top 10 to form an enclosure around the ATV11. The side curtains 18 include a side window 15 and are designed to beattached to the canopy 19 in its extended use position. The top 20 ofeach side curtain 18 has a shape to match the arcuate shape of thecanopy 19. The bottom 21 of each side curtain 18 follows the contours ofthe fenders and foot well of the ATV 11, eliminating any interferencewith the ATV's tires 22.

The side curtains 18 are attached to the canopy 19 using fasteners 23,such as a zipper, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of buttons, aplurality of snaps, or any other suitable fasteners which allow the sidecurtains 18 to be securely attached to or removed from the canopy 19, asneeded.

With the side curtains 18 removed, the canopy 19, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 15, can be retracted. The canopy 19 may be retracted fromthe front end 12 of the ATV 11 to the rear end 13 of the ATV 11 or fromthe rear end 13 of the ATV 11 to the front end 12 of the ATV 11. Unlikea convertible top for an automobile, the canopy 19 can be retracted toseveral positions along its arcuate shape between the front and rearends 12 and 13 of the ATV 11.

The ability to retract the canopy 19 to several positions allows theoperator of the ATV 11 to adjust the amount of protection the canopy 19provides. For example, on a mild overcast day, the operator may want tofully retract the canopy 19. On a hot sunny day, the operator may wantto retract the canopy 19 only half way, providing the operator withprotection from the sun, while allowing fresh air to flow onto theoperator from the front. In either of these examples, the canopy 19still provides protection from branches, spider webs, and other debris.

The mounting bracket 14, as shown in FIGS. 8, 13, and 14, is attached tothe front and rear ends 12 and 13 of the ATV 11 via fasteners 24. Thefasteners 24 may include U-shaped clamps, C-shaped clamps, plastic ties,or any other suitable fastener for securely fastening the mountingbracket 14 to the ATV 11.

The mounting bracket 14, as illustrated in FIG. 8, has a U-shapedprofile consisting of an elongate horizontal member 26 and a pair ofvertical members 27 positioned on opposed ends 28 and 29 of thehorizontal member 26. The horizontal member 26 may be tubular or solid,and may have various cross-sectional dimensions and shapes. The verticalmembers 27 are tubular for accepting an elongate side member 30, asdescribed below, therethrough. Alternatively, the mounting bracket 14may simply be a pair of vertical tubular members independently attachedto the four corners of the front and rear ends 12 and 13 of the ATV 11for accepting the side members 30, (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, the canopy 19 is fabricated using askeletal frame 31 formed of a plurality of elongate members 32 and arectangular cover 33. The frame 31 includes a pair of elongate sidemembers 30 and a plurality of elongate cross-members 34. The sidemembers 30 are fabricated from flexible rods to allow the canopy 19 tobend into an arcuate shape. The side members 30 may also be fabricatedof a segmented rod with a shock cord running therethrough or any othersuitable rod to allow the rod to be bent into an arcuate shape. Thecross-members 34 are fabricated from a semi-rigid tubular rod, such asPVC pipe. The cross-members 34 include a hole 36 in each of the opposedends 37 and 38 of the cross-members 34 for accepting the side members 30passing therethrough. While the side members 30 and cross-members 34preferably have a circular cross-section, any suitable material orcross-sectional dimension may be used for the side members 30 andcross-members 34.

The rectangular cover 33 is fabricated from a flexible fabric, such ascanvas, plastic, or other durable sheet material, to conform to theframe 31. The cover 33 is preferably waterproof and sufficiently durableto resist tearing. The cover 33 includes a connecting means, such as aring or a pocket 40, positioned along opposed side edges 41 and 42 ofthe cover 33 for accepting the side members 30 and the cross members 34.The cover 33 may include a plurality of spaced-apart pockets in the formof loops 40, as illustrated, or a single elongated pocket (not shown)running the length of the cover 33 along opposed side edges 41 and 42for receiving the elongate side members 30. The loops or pockets 40 maybe made from the same material as the cover 33, or any other suitablematerial. The loops or pockets 40 may also be integrated with, orattached to, the cover 33.

The cover 33 also includes integrated end pockets 43 formed alongopposed end edges 45 and 46 of the cover 33, as illustrated in FIG. 9.The end pockets 43 run the length along the end edges 45 and 46 tosupport an elongate cross-member 34 passing therethrough.

The canopy 19 is assembled by attaching the cross-members 34 and sidemembers 30 to the cover 33. The connecting means 40, as illustrated inFIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12, is a plurality of open-ended pockets formedfrom the same material as the cover 33. The pockets 40 allow the sidemembers 30 to pass therethrough, and include a hole 47 transverse toeach of the pockets 40 and passing therethrough for accepting thecross-members 34.

To assemble the canopy 19, the cover 33 is laid onto a surface face downwith the pockets 40, as illustrated in FIG. 9, facing up. Thecross-members 34 are inserted into the transverse holes 47 of thepockets 40 along opposed side edges 41 and 42 of the cover 33. Thecross-members 34 are positioned within the transverse holes 47 so thatthe holes 36 positioned on opposed ends 37 and 38 of the cross-members34 are in alignment for allowing the side members 30 to pass through thepockets 40 and the holes 36 in the cross-members 34. The side members 30are then slid through the pockets 40 and corresponding holes 36 of eachcross-member 34, as illustrated in FIG. 12, creating a secure jointbetween the cover 33, the cross-members 34, and the side members 30.

The convertible top 10 is attached to the ATV 11 by positioning opposedends 48 and 49 of the side members 30 into the respective openings 50 ofthe vertical tubular members 27 of the mounting bracket 14 and slidingthe opposed ends 48 and 49 therethrough. A securing means such as acotter pin 51, is secured within a hole 52 located on each of theopposed ends 48 and 49 of the side members 30 just below the verticaltubular members 27 of the mounting bracket 14 to prevent the sidemembers 30 from withdrawing from the mounting bracket 14. Another cotterpin 53 is secured within a hole 54 located on each of the opposed ends48 and 49 of the side members 30 just above the vertical tubular members27 of the mounting bracket 14 to prevent the side members 30 fromprotruding through the mounting bracket 14 further than necessary forattachment of the canopy 19. A cotter pin 56 may also be secured withina hole 57 located on each of the ends 48 and 49 of the side members 30just above the elongated pocket 43 and cross-member 34 combination,described above, to prevent the canopy 19 from retracting, asillustrated in FIG. 14A. Additionally, hooks, bungee cords, tie-downstraps, or any other suitable securing device may be attached to theside curtains 18 and canopy 19. These securing devices hook onto the ATV11 to provide an additional means for securing the side curtains 18 andconvertible top 10 to the ATV 11.

With the canopy 19 assembled and the side members 30 secured within themounting bracket 14, the canopy 19 is now ready to be positioned by theoperator to several desired positions.

As shown in FIG. 18, a side curtain extension 70 may be attached to thebottom 21 of the side curtain 18 to provide protection to the operatorof the ATV 11 from mud and debris entering the foot well of the ATV 11.The extension 70 may be attached to the side curtain using any suitablefastener, such as a zipper, buttons, and snaps. In the alternative, asshown in FIG. 19, a side curtain 118 may be used in place of sidecurtain 18. Side curtain 118 provides a one-piece side curtain thatextends into the foot well of the ATV 11.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the convertible top 10 may also be used asa hunting blind. Like the tent shown in FIG. 2, the convertible top 10is removed from the ATV 11 and positioned on the ground. Extension rods72 are then attached to the side members 30 to raise the convertible top10 to a height sufficient to allow an individual to stand under. Asshown in FIG. 21, side curtains 18 are then attached to the canopy 19. Askirt 74 is then attached to the canopy 19 and side curtains 18 tocompletely enclose the individual. In the event an operator of the ATV11 must hunt from the ATV 11, a camouflaged canopy (not shown) may bepositioned and secured over the convertible top 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, a storage cover 60 is used tosecure the fully retracted convertible top 10. The storage cover 60 maybe formed of any suitable fabric or other sheet material. The storagecover 60 also includes a plurality of pockets 66 for storing tools,beverages, and food. The storage cover 60 is wrapped around the fullyretracted canopy 19 and secured in place by hook and loop fasteners,buttons, snaps, or any other suitable method for securing the storagecover 60 around the convertible top 10.

A convertible protective enclosure is described above. Various detailsof the invention may be changed without departing from its scope.Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments ofthe invention and the best mode for practicing the invention areprovided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose oflimitation, the invention being identified in the claims.

1. A convertible protective top, comprising: (a) a retractable canopyhaving at least two spaced-apart side members, at least two spaced-apartcross members positioned between and slidably engaged with the sidemembers, and a flexible cover attached to the cross-members; and (b)wherein the cross-members and cover are adapted for being moved alongthe side members as desired to retract or extend the cover.
 2. Theconvertible top according to claim 1, and further including anattachment means for securing the canopy to a vehicle.
 3. Theconvertible protective top according to claim 2, wherein the attachmentmeans includes generally vertical tubular members for receivingrespective ones of the side members.
 4. The convertible top according toclaim 1, and further including extension rods for receiving ends of theside members and securing the canopy to the ground to provide a shelter.5. The convertible top according to claim 4, and further including askirt for enclosing the shelter.
 6. The convertible protective topaccording to claim 1, wherein the cross-members include at least onehole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members for allowing thecross-members to slidably engage the side members.
 7. The convertibleprotective top according to claim 1, and further including a pair ofside curtains for enclosing the protective top.
 8. The convertibleprotective top according to claim 7, wherein the cover further includesat least one fastener positioned on each of a pair of opposing sideedges for attaching a respective one of the side curtains to each sideedge.
 9. The convertible protective top according to claim 7, andfurther including side curtain extensions attached to a bottom of theside curtains to extend the length of the side curtains and provideadditional protection.
 10. The convertible protective top according toclaim 1, wherein the cover further includes at least one connectorpositioned on each of a pair of opposing side edges for slidablyattaching the cover to the side members.
 11. The convertible protectivetop according to claim 10, wherein the at least one connector includes ahole transverse to the connector for receiving a respective one of thecross-members and allowing a respective one of the side members, theconnector, and the cross-member to be connected together.
 12. Theconvertible protective top according to claim 1, wherein the sidemembers are flexible for allowing the canopy to assume an arcuate shapedefining a distance less than the length of the side member.
 13. Theconvertible protective top according to claim 1, wherein the sidemembers are made of flexible rods.
 14. The convertible protective topaccording to claim 1, wherein the side members are made of a pluralityof rod segments connected by shock cords.
 15. The convertible protectivetop according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a front window anda rear window for providing an operator of the vehicle with a clearview.
 16. A convertible protective top for being attached to a vehicle,comprising: (a) a retractable canopy, the canopy comprising; (i) atleast two spaced-apart side members; (ii) at least two spaced-apartcross-members, wherein the cross-members are positioned between andslidably engaged with the side members; (iii) a flexible cover attachedto the cross-members, wherein the cross-members and cover are adaptedfor being moved along the side members as desired to retract or extendthe cover; and (b) attachment means for securing the canopy to a frontend and a rear end of the vehicle.
 17. The convertible protective topaccording to claim 16, wherein the cross-members include at least onehole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members for allowing thecross-members to slidably engage the side members.
 18. The convertibleprotective top according to claim 16, wherein the cover further includesat least one fastener positioned on each of a pair of opposing sideedges for attaching a side curtain to each side edge and forming anenclosure, and wherein the at least one fastener is selected from thegroup consisting of a zipper, a button, and a snap.
 19. The convertibleprotective top according to claim 16, wherein the cover further includesa hole transverse to the connector for receiving a respective one of thecross-members and allowing a respective one of the side members, theconnector, and the cross-member to be connected together.
 20. Theconvertible protective top according to claim 16, wherein the sidemembers are flexible for allowing the canopy to assume an arcuate shapewhen positioned on the vehicle and attached between the front end andthe rear end of the vehicle defining a distance less than the length ofthe side member.
 21. The convertible protective top according to claim16, wherein the cover includes a front window and a rear window forproviding an operator of the vehicle with a clear view.
 22. Aconvertible protective top for being attached to a vehicle, comprising:(a) an arcuate retractable canopy, the canopy comprising: (i) at leasttwo spaced-apart flexible side members; (ii) a plurality of spaced-apartcross-members positioned between the side members, the cross-membershaving a hole positioned on opposing ends of the cross-members forslidably engaging the side members; (iii) a flexible cover includingopposing side edges and opposing end edges, wherein each of the opposingside edges is slidably attached to a respective one of the side membersby at least one pocket, and wherein each of the opposing end edges isattached to a respective one of the cross-members; and (b) attachmentmeans for securing the canopy to a front end and a rear end of thevehicle.
 23. The convertible protective top according to claim 22,wherein the attachment means comprises at least two mounting brackets,each of the mounting brackets including at least two generally verticaltubular members for receiving respective ones of the side members andsecuring the canopy to the vehicle.
 24. The convertible protective topaccording to claim 23, wherein the side members are secured to themounting brackets by a cotter pin.
 25. The convertible protective topaccording to claim 22, wherein the pocket includes a hole transverse tothe pocket for receiving a respective one of the cross-members andallowing a respective one of the side members, pocket, and cross-memberto be connected together.
 26. The convertible protective top accordingto claim 22, wherein the cover further includes a zipper disposed oneach of the opposing side edges for attaching a side curtain to eachside edge and forming an enclosure.
 27. A method of attaching aconvertible protective top to a vehicle, comprising the steps of: (a)providing a retractable canopy, the canopy comprising: (i) at least twospaced-apart side members; (ii) at least two spaced-apart cross-members,wherein the cross-members are positioned between and slidably engagedwith the side members; (iii) a cover attached to the cross-members,wherein the cross-members and cover are moved along the side members toretract the cover; and (b) providing an attachment means for securingthe canopy to the vehicle; (c) sliding opposing ends of each side memberthrough an opening of the attachment means; and (d) inserting aconnecter through a hole in the opposing ends of each side member. 28.The method according to claim 27, wherein the attachment means includesa plurality of generally vertical tubular members positioned on a frontend and a rear end of the vehicle.